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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he has invited United States President Donald Trump to visit Australia, as the federal government battles to secure tariff exemptions amid concerns the US could impose more.
The invitation was revealed in an interview on the ABC’s Afternoon Briefing program on Wednesday, with Albanese saying it would be “a matter for him (Trump)” to accept.
“He did not come in his first term as president, but American presidents will always be welcome here as other international visitors,” Albanese told the ABC.
The prime minister also noted that Australia would likely host a summit of the Quad — a diplomatic partnership that is focused on China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific — next year, which the leaders of the US, Japan and India would attend.
Albanese also said he had discussed a trip to the US with Trump and he expected he would travel there “very early on” in his second term, if he wins .
It comes as the federal government attempts to secure exemptions from tariffs that the US has imposed on Australia and many other countries.
The US slapped earlier this month, and there are concerns .
Several independent agricultural industry outlooks have identified the red meat and wine sectors as having the highest exposure to possible export tariffs that could be introduced by Trump.
The federal government has stepped in to protect the nation’s lucrative export industry, setting aside $6.8 million in to maintain international market access for agricultural goods over the next year.
The funding will help Australian officials contribute to global fair trade standards and ensure the smooth flow of goods, according to the 2025/26 budget papers released on Tuesday night.
Industry Minister Ed Husic told Afternoon Briefing the federal government would “continue to work with that [Trump’s] administration and make our case … and we will see what happens”.
Albanese said his government was “engaging through officials” and “strongly” putting forward Australia’s case.
Asked if he expected to speak to Trump before the federal election, Albanese said: “I’m looking for an outcome, and what happens between leaders is that when things are sorted out by officials, then leaders have discussions.”
With reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
